TaxSlayer Simply Free review

TaxSlayer Simply Free fits a narrow group well: single or married-filing-jointly filers under 65 with no dependents, the standard deduction and taxable income of $100,000 or less from wages, tips, taxable interest of $1,500 or less and unemployment. Inside those limits you get one free federal return and education breaks, namely the American Opportunity Tax Credit, the Lifetime Learning Credit and the student loan interest deduction. TaxSlayer shows state as included at $0, though its FAQ says a free state return may be included at certain times during the filing season, so check before you start. A real plus is U.S.-based phone and email support on the free tier. The list of exclusions is long: the EITC, the Child Tax Credit, Social Security benefits, pensions and IRA distributions all require Classic at $19.99 plus state. Parents and retirees should use another free option.

Who it is for

single or married filers under 65 with no dependents

Price

$0 with state included for qualifying returns; Classic $19.99 federal if you need more.

Simply Free includes one free federal return.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• One free federal return, with state included at times during the season
• Taxable income up to $100,000 from wages, tips, interest up to $1,500 and unemployment
• American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning credits plus student loan interest
• U.S.-based phone and email support
• Free tax extensions

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Phone and email support from a person at $0
• Strength: Education credits are covered for students
• Strength: Switches you to Classic at $19.99 rather than a higher tier if you outgrow it
• Weakness: No dependents, no EITC and no Child Tax Credit
• Weakness: You and your spouse must be under 65
• Weakness: TaxSlayer says less than a majority of taxpayers qualify

Key facts

• Filing status: Single or married filing jointly
• Income cap: $100,000 taxable income
• Age: Under 65
• Dependents: Not allowed
• Upgrade: Classic, $19.99 plus state

Where it ranks

TaxSlayer Simply Free is No. 6 in our Best Free Tax Software verdict.